How You Can Use Natural Remedies Against Bacteria

Bacteria have quite a rap sheet when it comes to causing trouble for us and our health. We blame them for many ailments, seasonal as well as those long-lasting, life-altering ones, anything from bacterial pneumonia, E.coli, all the way to salmonella or tuberculosis. These single-celled organisms, however, have a plethora of useful roles in our wellbeing, and we couldn’t really live without them. They play a vital role in our digestive system and they help us process and absorb nutrients, and they are a part of our immune system to ward off various diseases. It’s the imbalance of the good and the bad bacteria that causes us to get sick or feel certain symptoms that can later develop into a chronic illness. More often than not, people will seek medical advice and treatment in the face of a bacterial infection, which is always wise. However, if you constantly bombard your body with antibiotics, you might be doing more harm than good. Sometimes, Mother Nature can step in and save the day with the help of natural antibiotics found in certain foods. Here are a few ways you can infuse your diet with natural remedies against bacteria.

Brace yourself for some oregano oil

You’ve likely already heard of the many benefits of using essential oils in your life, as their soothing, relaxing properties are already known to many who prefer natural remedies. Few people know that certain essential oils are actually very powerful fighters against those harmful bacterial infections that can cause you to get sick. Oregano oil is a perfect ally in your battle against bacteria, as it has been shown to help in treating E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

A word of caution: make sure to only take one or two drops, always mixed with a base oil, such as coconut, olive, or some other vegetable oil whose taste you enjoy. Even in a spoonful of that goodness, oregano has quite a powerful aroma, so brace your taste-buds! Finally, don’t exceed the 14-day limit for its use, and talk to your doctor in case you’re taking any other medication to prevent possible interactions.

The potent, yet smelly garlic

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If you’re a foodie at heart, you most likely appreciate the specific, yet pungent flavor of garlic. Its smell might not be the finest you’d want for a date, but it turns out that this favorite among culinary experts has antibacterial properties. Due to its allicin content, which is its active compound “unleashed” when you crush your garlic cloves, it has the power to help stave off bacterial infections.

Add to that, garlic also has antifungal and antiviral properties, making it a must-have in your pantry for the entire year, especially during the cold season. Sure, you want to stay in after consuming your several cloves per day, but your immune system will be thankful for your sacrifice.

Curcumin’s anti-infective powers

You likely already have this golden spice in your kitchen cabinet, and you love it in your morning eggs or your many chicken recipes. It’s delicious, it’s easy to add to various dishes, and it gives that exotic flavor to a wide range of recipes. What’s most important for your immune system, however, is that the powerful spice curcuminhas antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well.

Whether you add it to your food in the form of a spice or you consume it as a supplement, curcumin is indeed an asset in your dietary regime. It’s been found to be effective against various strains of HPV, respiratory viruses, and noroviruses as well. Much like garlic, this spice is also useful in case of viral and fungal infections, making it one of the simplest, and most effective nutritional additions to your routine to stave off bacterial and other harmful infections instead of antibiotics.

Your protective scoop of honey

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Did you know that honey cannot spoil when you keep it in an airtight container and never mix it with other substances directly in that jar? As a result of its nature, edible honey was even found in Egyptian tombs that are thousands of years old. Much like it prevents bacteria from changing its own makeup and
nutritional value, honey is a valuable addition to your diet in keeping those infections at bay. Since ancient times, honey has been used as an ointment for treating and disinfecting wounds, and certain kinds of honey are effective against around 60 strains of bacteria. So, why not start your day with a glass of warm lemonade and a spoon of raw honey to kick-start your metabolism, instead of reaching for antibiotics when that vicious cold sets in?

Add echinacea to your regime

Echinacea is a plant used in the form of tea, as well as supplementation, for its many healthy properties. It fights inflammation, which is extremely beneficial for your immune system in general, and especially when your body is dealing with an infection. Additionally, echinacea has antibacterial properties, so even if you do catch that cold, it will likely help you reduce the symptoms and cut the cold short.

You can add it to your diet in the form of tea, but in case you don’t enjoy its flavor, supplements are readily available.

Although certain infections do need that boost of synthetic antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, you can always enhance your diet with the help of natural antibiotics and make sure you prevent certain health issues and help your body handle certain inevitable mild infections more easily.